Grip for a cricket bat handle

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a grip for a cricket bat handle. The grip may include a first raised portion for locating the top hand of a batter. The grip may also include a second raised portion for engaging with the palm of the bottom hand of the batter to prevent over gripping of the cricket bat handle by the batter. The grip may also include a third raised portion for engaging with the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, in order to locate the bottom hand of the batter on the cricket bat handle. The grip may serve to correctly locate the hands of a batter on a cricket bat handle and/or the grip may assist or guide the hands of the batter during the playing of a batting stroke(s)

FIELD This invention relates to a grip for a cricket bat handle.

More specifically, the invention relates to a grip for a cricket bat handle which serves to correctly locate the hand(s) of a batter on the cricket bat handle. In some embodiments, the invention may also serve to guide, and/or restrict movement of, the hand(s) of the batter during the playing of a batting stroke(s).

The prior art and possible applications of the invention, as described below, are given by way of example only.

BACKGROUND

Cricket is a bat-and-ball team sport, and it is a popular sport in many parts of the world. The sport is governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the ICC currently has 105 member countries. Of these countries, 10 are full members of the ICC. These countries are: England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies (an amalgamation of over 20 countries and territories from the Caribbean). The remaining 95 member countries are either Associate Members or Affiliate Members of the ICC.

The fundamental nature of cricket involves a bowler delivering the cricket ball from one end of a cricket pitch towards a batsman, who is provided with a cricket bat, at the other end of the cricket pitch. The batsman endeavours to hit the ball (with the bat) around the ground in order to score runs, whereas the bowler (and his/her team mates) endeavour to get the batsman out.

The cricket ball is generally a hard, leather-seemed ball which can be delivered at speeds of more than 140 km/h. As a result most batsmen wear protective clothing to prevent injury from being struck with the ball.

The laws of cricket stipulate that the bat must be made of wood (usually White Willow), and the bat has the shape of a blade topped by a cylindrical handle. The blade must not be more than 108 mm wide, and the total length of the bat must be not more than 970 mm.

In general, when facing up to a bowler, the batsman will grip the bat handle with both hands and stand slightly side on to the bowler, and with a slightly crouched (or knees slightly bent) stance.

The art of successful batting depends to a large extent on the correct placing of the batsman's hands around the cricket bat handle, both prior to and during the playing of a cricket shot. In this regard, each of the batsman's hands have quite different roles when gripping a cricket bat handle, and when playing a batting stroke.

For a right handed batter, the batter should grip the bat by first placing his/her left hand towards the top of the handle, with the palm facing down. This is often referred to as the batsman's top hand (which would be the right hand for a left handed batter).

During the playing of a batting stroke, it is very important that the top hand remains fixed and stationary. If the top hand moves during the playing of a shot, then the batsman has less control over the shot played. This renders it more likely that the ball will not be struck in the intended fashion or direction, and furthermore there is more likelihood that the batsman will be dismissed or struck by the ball. Keeping the top hand fixed at all times requires focus and discipline, and this is something that people learning the game often lack.

Furthermore, given the pace at which some bowlers bowl it may be appreciated that it is not always possible for the top hand to remain fixed. For example, the act of the ball impacting against the bat may serve to dislodge the top hand. Moreover, some less accomplished batsmen may move the top hand as a reflex response to receiving a particularly fast ball or a ball directed at the body of the batsman.

It may therefore be of advantage if there was available a cricket bat handle which was provided with a means for locating the top hand of a batsman to a desired position on the cricket bat handle and/or which restricted the top hand from moving prior to and/or during the playing of a batting stroke.

For a right handed batter, the batter should grip the bat by placing his/her right hand towards the bottom of the handle, with the palm facing up. This is often referred to as the batsman's bottom hand (which would be the left hand for a left handed batter).

A common mistake made by batsmen, especially those that have not played much cricket, is that the bottom hand grips the handle too hard—also known as over gripping. This means that the batsman is essentially gripping the cricket bat handle like a golf club or a baseball bat. This is a very ineffective way to hold a cricket bat and severely limits the ability of the batsman to be able to play a successful or proper batting stroke.

It may therefore be of advantage if there was available a cricket bat handle which was provided with a means for ensuring that the bottom hand of a batsman was less susceptible to over gripping.

During the playing of a batting stroke, and particularly when the batsman is driving or cutting the ball, it is important for the bottom hand to pivot and move slightly down the handle, in the region of where the fleshy part of the bottom hand between the thumb and index finger meets the handle. This often proves difficult for a batsman to learn as it is a somewhat unusual way to swing a sporting club (most other sporting clubs require both hands to grip the club firmly and/or to remain stationary during the swinging of the sporting club).

It may therefore be of advantage if there was available a cricket bat handle which was provided with a means for locating the bottom hand of the batsman and/or for guiding the bottom hand through this pivoting motion during the playing of a batting stroke.

There are several prior art inventions which claim to assist a batter when gripping a cricket bat.

AU2008100243 DiNoia describes a cricket bat handle which includes an attachment such as a ring which fits around the cricket bat handle. The ring is designed to force the batter to grip the bat higher up than normal, with the intention being that this higher grip offers the batter better control and an increased arc when the bat is swung. The ring is also designed to provide a point of leverage against which to exert rotational force. However, the invention described in AU2008100243 requires the batter's hand to grip the bat handle adjacent to the ring, rather than being placed over it. Hence, the ring is ineffective is correctly locating either the top hand or the bottom hand on or about the cricket bat handle. Furthermore, the invention described does not assist in guiding either the top hand or bottom during the playing of a batting stroke, and nor does it address the issue of a batsman over gripping the bat.

GB 2396563 Larsen describes a cricket bat handle which has a series of undulations for dampening the vibrations which occur when the ball is struck by the bat. However, the invention described in Larsen does not provide any means for correctly locating the hands of a batter on a cricket bat handle and/or which serve to guide the hand(s) of the batter during the playing of a batting stroke. Nor does Larsen address the issue of over gripping of the bat handle by the batsman.

GB 2202153 Curtis describes a cricket bat handle which has indentations to accommodate the fingers of the batter. However, the indentations appear to encourage a batter to grip the cricket bat like a baseball bat, which is not the correct way for either the top hand or the bottom hand to grip a cricket bat. Furthermore Curtis does not describe any means for guiding the hand(s) of the batter during the playing of a batting stroke and nor does Curtis address the issue of over gripping.

WO 2010/118460 Brady describes a resiliently deformable protuberance formed either on a cricket bat handle or within the glove of the batter. The protuberance is designed to modify the grip of the batter, and Brady states that a preferred advantage of the invention is to dampen vibrations. However, the invention described in Brady does not allow for the correct positioning of the top hand of the batter and nor does it allow for the any guiding of either the top hand or bottom hand during the playing of a batting stroke. Furthermore, because the invention utilises a deformable protuberance, it does not properly address the issue of over gripping of the bat handle.

There are also prior art devices available which claim to assist a person when gripping other sporting objects such as a golf club or a baseball bat. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,198 Bleeker, U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,802 Bouchet-Lassale, and JP8-243201 Tsujimoto.

However, these inventions are more suited to sporting implements which require a player to grip the sporting implement tightly with both hands and/or with the fingers curled tightly around the sporting implement (for example, by providing finger grooves—as in Bleeker and Tsujimoto). As such, the inventions described are quite unsuitable for use with cricket bats—which require a totally different gripping technique, as described previously.

Finally, GB 2386326 Llewellyn-Jones describes a collar which may be fitted to the handle of a sporting implement such as golf club for accommodating one of a person's fingers. An embodiment is described in relation to use with a cricket bat. However, the invention described does not assist in locating the top and/or bottom hands of a batter or guiding either the top hand or bottom of a batter during the playing of a batting stroke. Nor does it address the issue of a batsman over gripping the bat handle.

OBJECT

It is an object of the present invention to provide a grip for a cricket bat handle which goes some way towards addressing one or more of the above problems or difficulties, or which at the very least provides the public with a useful choice.

DEFINITIONS

Throughout this specification unless the text requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’ and variations such as ‘comprising’ or ‘comprises’ will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Throughout this specification, the term “batting stroke” is defined as meaning the action of a cricket batter as he/she attempts to hit a cricket ball bowled at him or her (whether contact is made between the bat and ball or otherwise). It also includes the situation where a batter practises his/her batting strokes without a ball being bowled at him/her.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, said grip including an upper portion and a lower portion, and said grip including a first raised portion formed in or on the upper portion of the grip, said first raised portion being adapted to locate the top hand of a batter.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, said grip including an upper portion and a lower portion, and said grip including a first raised portion formed in or on the upper portion of the grip, said first raised portion being adapted to restrict movement of the top hand of the batter before and/or during the playing of a batting stroke.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, said grip including an upper portion and a lower portion, and said grip including a second raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip, said second raised portion being adapted to engage with the palm of the bottom hand of the batter to prevent over gripping of the cricket bat handle by the batter.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, said grip including an upper portion and a lower portion, and said grip including a third raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip, said third raised portion being adapted to engage with the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, in order to locate the bottom hand of the batter on the cricket bat handle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, said grip including an upper portion and a lower portion, and said grip including a third raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip, said third raised portion being adapted to engage with the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, in order to guide the bottom hand of the batter through a pivoting motion during the playing of certain batting strokes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, substantially as described above, wherein said grip includes one or more of said first raised portion and/or said second raised portion and/or said third raised portions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, said grip including an upper portion and a lower portion, and said grip including:

-   -   a) a first raised portion formed in or on the upper portion of         the grip, said first raised portion being adapted to locate the         top hand of a batter,     -   b) a second raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of         the grip, said second raised portion being adapted to engage         with the palm of the bottom hand of the batter to prevent over         gripping of the cricket bat handle by the batter,     -   c) a third raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of         the grip, said third raised portion being adapted to engage with         the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the         thumb and index finger, in order to locate the bottom hand of         the batter on the cricket bat handle.

The upper portion of the grip may include any portion of the grip from approximately the middle of the cricket bat handle, or grip, to the end of the cricket bat handle or grip (that is, the end of the cricket bat handle furthest from the blade of the bat).

The lower portion of the grip may include any portion of the grip from approximately the middle of the cricket bat handle (or grip) to where the cricket bat handle meets the blade of the bat.

The grip for the cricket bat may include an outer surface which is intended to be gripped or held by the hands of the batter. The first and/or second and/or third raised portions may comprise part of the outer surface of the grip, but they may be raised relative to the majority of the outer surface of the grip. That is, the first and/or second and/or third raised portions may be in the form of protuberances that project outwardly from the majority of the outer surface of the grip.

The first raised portion formed in or on the upper portion of the grip, may be adapted to locate the top hand of the batter.

Preferably, the first raised portion may be adapted to locate the top hand of the batter in a technically correct (or optimum) position on and/or around the cricket bat handle. This enables the batter to learn and use a correct batting technique when gripping a cricket bat handle with his/her top hand.

In one embodiment, the first raised portion may be adapted to restrict movement of the top hand of the batter before and/or during the playing of a batting stroke.

An advantage of restricting movement of the top hand of a batter is that it is important that the top hand remains fixed and stationary, both prior to, and during, the playing of a batting stroke. For example, if the top hand moves just prior to or during the playing of a batting stroke, then the batter has less control over the shot played. This renders it more likely that the ball will not be struck in the intended fashion or direction, and furthermore there is more likelihood that the batsman will be dismissed or struck by the ball.

Preferably the first raised portion may be adapted to engage with a portion of the heel and/or the side(s) of the top hand of the batter.

Preferably, the first raised portion may be adapted to engage predominantly with the palm side of the top hand of the batter.

The first raised portion may be of any suitable shape and/or size which achieves the desired effect of locating the top hand of the batter and/or which restricts movement of the top hand prior to or during the playing of a batting stroke.

For the purpose of locating the top hand of the batter the first raised portion may partially encircle a portion of the heel and/or the side(s) of the top hand of the batter in order to locate and/or secure the top hand of the batter in the correct batting position. Hence, and for example, the first raised portion may be substantially rounded or semi-circular in shape, in order to accommodate the heel and/or the side(s) of the top hand. Suitably shaped protrusions may therefore include hemispherical shapes such as saddle shaped or ear-shaped protrusions, or a series of small protrusions which make up such shapes.

In one embodiment the first raised portion may be substantially in the form of an upside down U-shaped protrusion. The closed end of the substantially U-shaped protrusion may preferably be at or towards the end of the cricket bat handle (the part away from the blade) and the open ends of the substantially U-shaped protrusion may be pointing downwardly—towards the blade of the cricket bat. In such an embodiment the closed end of the substantially U-shaped protrusion may serve largely to locate the top hand, and the sides of the substantially U-shaped protrusion may serve largely to restrict movement of the top hand prior to and/or during the playing of a batting stroke.

The second raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip may be adapted to engage with the palm of the bottom hand of the batter to prevent over gripping of the bat handle by the batter. In some embodiments the second raised portion may extend slightly into the middle (or upper portion) of the grip—for example if the style of batting of a particular batter meant that he/she preferred to grip the bat higher up the handle.

Over gripping of the handle by the bottom hand is a common mistake made by batsmen, and especially those that are learning the game. Over gripping the handle severely limits the ability of the batsman to be able to play a successful batting stroke.

The second raised portion, which engages with the palm of the batsman's bottom hand, serves to force or guide the palm of the bottom hand slightly away from the handle, and this means that the batsman is unable to over grip the handle. Or in other words, this forces the batsman to grip the handle somewhat loosely with the bottom hand—which is the desired result.

The second raised portion may be a protrusion of any size and/or shape which achieves this effect of forcing or guiding the palm of the bottom hand slightly away from the handle. For example, the second raised portion may be substantially oval or in the form of a number of ridges which engage with the palm of the bottom hand. The shape of the second raised portion may be regular or irregular.

In one embodiment, the second raised portion may be in the form of a raised dome. An advantage of such an embodiment is that a dome shape does not have any sharp or heavily contoured edges, which may otherwise dig into the batter's palm. Hence a raised dome-shaped protrusion minimises or negates any discomfort on the part of the batter.

In one embodiment, the second raised portion may be substantially resilient whereby a degree of cushioning or vibration dampening is provided by the second raised portion. However, a possible drawback of such an embodiment is that the batter may squeeze down on such a resiliently formed portion, which may reduce the effectiveness of the second raised portion in preventing over gripping.

Preferably therefore, the second raised portion may be substantially non-resilient whereby the batter is not able to squeeze or squash the second raised portion, and hence the palm of the bottom hand is continually kept slightly away from the handle—thus preventing over gripping.

The third raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip may be adapted to engage with the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, in order to locate the bottom hand of the batter on the cricket bat handle. That is, the batter may place his bottom hand around the bat and slide it down until the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter engages with, or rests against, the third raised portion (thus correctly locating the bottom hand of the batter).

The third raised portion may also be adapted to engage with the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, in order to guide the bottom hand of the batter through a pivoting motion during the playing of certain batting strokes.

The third raised portion may be a protrusion of any size and/or shape which achieves the effect of locating the bottom hand of the batter and/or guiding the bottom hand through the pivoting motion during the playing of some batting strokes. For example, the shape of the protuberance may be dome-shaped or of an irregular or elongated dome-shape.

In one embodiment, the third raised portion may be in the form of a raised ridge, and the arrangement and construction may be such that the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, may engage with this ridge and be able to slide up and over the ridge, in a pivoting motion, during the playing of some batting strokes.

Examples of batting strokes which may take advantage of this pivoting motion include when the batter is driving or playing cut shots or attempting to glide the ball down to third man area. Moreover, some batters like to start each batting stroke with a back swing, prior to whatever batting stroke is ultimately played. It is envisaged that the pivoting motion referred to would occur every time the batter took such a back swing.

The pivoting motion of the bottom hand may involve the bottom hand releasing slightly from the handle, however the bottom hand may nonetheless remain more or less in a defined position—and the third raised portion may assist in guiding or facilitating this pivoting/release action of the bottom hand.

Such a pivoting action may often be difficult for a batsman to learn, as it is a somewhat unusual action as compared to how other sporting clubs are generally used (where both hands are usually supposed to grip the handle of the sporting club firmly at all times). Hence, the third raised portion offers a very useful way for a batsman to learn how to correctly play the type of batting strokes referred to above.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, substantially as described above, wherein said grip further includes a fourth raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip, said fourth raised portion being adapted to locate the thumb of the bottom hand of the batter.

The fourth raised portion may preferably be adapted to engage with and/or locate the thumb of the bottom hand of the batter between the fourth raised portion and the third raised portion. Locating the thumb in this position and in this fashion may serve to help the position the thumb and/or the bottom hand in a correct or desired position prior to the playing of a batting stroke and/or prior to the pivoting motion of the bottom hand, as referred to previously. It is envisaged that the fourth raised portion may also serve to help restrict any unnecessary movement of the thumb, prior to the playing of a batting stroke.

The fourth raised portion may be a protrusion of any size and/or shape which achieves this effect. For example, the fourth raised portion may be a protrusion in the form of a ridge or an oval-shaped portion or a dome-shaped portion or a cigar-shaped portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, substantially as described above, wherein said grip further includes a fifth raised portion, said fifth raised portion being formed in or on the lower portion of the grip and said fifth raised portion being adapted to guide, and/or restrict the movement of, the thumb of the bottom hand of the batter during the playing of some batting strokes.

Preferably, the fifth raised portion may be adapted to guide and/or restrict any unnecessary movement of the thumb when the batter is driving or playing a cut shot (or taking a back swing), as referred to previously.

Preferably, the fifth raised portion may be adapted to prevent the thumb from unnecessarily slipping down the cricket bat handle (in the direction of the blade of the bat) after the bottom hand has been through the pivoting motion referred to previously.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, substantially as described above, wherein the grip does not include any grooves and/or raised portions for accommodating the fingers of the batter.

This distinguishes the invention from many prior art devices which include such finger grooves. That is, a cricket bat is not supposed to be gripped tightly by the fingers as is the case of gripping a baseball bat or a golf club. It is therefore important, especially for those learning the game, that a cricket bat is not gripped tightly by the fingers of the batter, and having the grip devoid of any finger grooves (or like protrusions) may help to discourage such incorrect batting techniques.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, substantially as described above, wherein the grip is in the form of a hollow sleeve, the sleeve having a generally cylindrically inner surface for receiving the cricket bat handle.

In such an embodiment, the sleeve may be adapted to be slid over an existing cricket bat handle.

In such an embodiment, the first and/or second and/or third raised portions may comprise part of an outer surface of the sleeve, but they may be raised relative to the majority of the outer surface of the sleeve. That is, the first and/or second and/or third raised portions may be in the form of protuberances that project outwardly from the majority of the outer surface of the sleeve.

Likewise for the fourth and/or fifth raised portions.

Preferably, the sleeve may be comprised of a soft and/or somewhat flexible material such as rubber material or a plastics material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grip for a cricket bat handle, substantially as described above, wherein the grip is formed in or on the surface of the cricket bat handle.

In one such embodiment, the grip may be formed within or on, or comprise part of, the cricket bat handle. For example, a cricket bat (or cricket bat handle) may be moulded in once piece, with the grip forming part of the cricket bat handle.

In such an embodiment, the first and/or second and/or third raised portions may comprise part of the outer surface of the cricket bat handle, but they may be raised relative to the majority of the outer surface of the handle. That is, the first and/or second and/or third raised portions may be in the form of protuberances that project outwardly from the majority of the outer surface of the handle.

Likewise for the fourth and/or fifth raised portions.

In one embodiment, the cricket bat (or cricket bat handle) may be formed of a plastics material or a substantially hard rubber material. Such an embodiment may be relatively inexpensive and/or simple to manufacture, and may therefore be useful, for example, for use by youngsters or for large group training sessions where people can use the grip/bat to learn correct batting techniques (either with or without balls being bowled at them). Moreover, it is envisaged that non-cricket balls may be used for use with such bats and/or in any such training sessions, for example soft rubber balls or tennis balls.

In another embodiment, the grip may be formed in the wooden handle of the cricket bat.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cricket bat, said cricket bat including a handle with a grip, substantially as described above.

The grip may include any number of the first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth raised portions and any combination of these raised portions. For example, the grip may only include the first raised portion; or the grip may only include the first and the third raised portions, or the grip may only include the third, fourth and fifth raised portions, and so on. The grip may also include all five raised portions.

When holding a cricket bat handle correctly, the batsman's two hands should be just touching, or almost touching, (but not overlapping). Preferably therefore, the arrangement and configuration of the grip may allow for the batsman's two hands to be touching (or almost touching), but not overlapping.

It is envisaged that the grip may be available for cricket bats of different sizes. For example, a smaller version of the grip may be available for children and/or women, and a larger version available for adults or men.

An advantage of the invention is that it ensures that every batter, of any skill level or age, has their hands in the correct position on the cricket bat handle, both prior to and during the playing of a batting stroke. This ensures that the batsman is able to learn correct batting techniques and as a result is more likely to hit the ball in the desired fashion or direction. Furthermore, there is less likelihood that the batsman will be dismissed or struck by the ball.

It is envisaged that the invention may be particularly suitable for people learning the game of cricket, given that the grip allows a batter to correctly grip a cricket bat handle without any prior cricket knowledge or experience. The invention may therefore serve as a very useful means by which to attract more people to the game as it simplifies the teaching of how to grip a cricket bat handle, and furthermore is very simple and user friendly to use.

However, it is envisaged that the invention may also be utilised by more experienced cricketers, for example, in order to refine or reinforce their techniques.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description of a preferred form of the invention to be provided herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is given purely by way of example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: is a view of one possible embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2: is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3: is a view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, when fitted to a cricket bat handle,

FIG. 4: is another view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3,

FIG. 5: is a view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, showing the placement of the hands of a batter,

FIG. 6: is a view of an embodiment of the invention when fitted to a cricket bat handle, and showing the placement of the hands of the batter before playing a batting stroke, and

FIG. 7: is a view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, showing the placement of the batter's hands after playing a batting stroke.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Having regard to the drawings, there is shown a grip for a cricket bat handle, the grip being generally indicated by arrow 1.

The grip 1 is adapted to be fitted to the cricket bat handle 2 of a cricket bat 3 (see FIGS. 3-7).

The grip 1 is positioned on the handle 2 of the bat 3 for use by a right handed batter.

The grip 1 is in the form of a hollow rubber sleeve 4. The sleeve 4 has a generally cylindrical-shaped inner surface (not clearly shown) for receiving the cricket bat handle 2. That is, the sleeve 4 is adapted to be slid over the cricket bat handle 2 (see FIGS. 3-7).

In FIGS. 3-7, the front of the cricket bat 3 is shown by arrow 26 and the rear of the bat is shown by arrow 27.

The grip 1 includes an upper portion, generally indicated by arrow 5 and a lower portion, generally indicated by arrow 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

The grip 1 includes a first raised portion 9 formed in the upper portion 5 of the grip 1. The first raised portion 9 is adapted to locate the top hand 8 of a batter in a technically correct position on and/or around the cricket bat handle 2 (see FIGS. 5-7).

The first raised portion 9 is substantially in the form of an upside down U-shaped protrusion.

The U-shaped protrusion 9 serves largely to locate the top hand 8 of the batter. That is, the U-shaped protrusion 9 is adapted to engage with a portion of the heel 11 and one side 12 of the top hand 8 of the batter. When gripping the grip 1, the batter's top hand 8 is palm down as shown in FIGS. 5-7. Hence, the provision of the U-shaped protrusion 9 serves to teach people as to how and where the top hand 8 is normally positioned on a cricket bat handle 2

The sides 13 (and/or the closed end 10) of the substantially U-shaped protrusion 9 may also serve to restrict movement of the top hand 8 prior to and/or during the playing of a batting stroke. That is, any movement of the top hand 8 is constrained or minimised by virtue of a portion of the top hand 8 being partially enclosed within the U-shaped protrusion 9.

Hence, and in use, a batter will place his/her top hand 8 on the handle 2, palm down, and within the U-shaped protrusion 9 (see FIGS. 5-7). This serves to ensure that the batter's top hand 8 is correctly positioned on the handle 1. Furthermore, the top hand 8 is prevented from undue movement, both prior to and during the playing of a batting stroke, by virtue of it being snugly fitted within the U-shaped protrusion 9.

An advantage of restricting movement of the top hand 8 of a batter is that it is usually important that the top hand remains fixed and stationary, both prior to, and during, the playing of a batting stroke. For example, if the top hand 8 moves just prior to or during the playing of a batting stroke, then the batter has less control over the shot played. This renders it more likely that the ball will not be struck in the intended fashion or direction, and furthermore there is more likelihood that the batsman will be dismissed or struck by the ball.

The grip 1 also includes a second raised portion 14 formed in the lower portion 6 of the grip 1. The second raised portion 14 is adapted to engage with the palm of the bottom hand 15 of the batter and is designed to prevent over gripping of the handle 2 of the bat 3 by the batter.

Over gripping of a cricket bat handle 2 by the bottom hand 15 is a common mistake made by batters, and especially those that are learning the game. Over gripping the handle 2 severely limits the ability of the batter to be able to play a successful batting stroke.

The second raised portion 14 is in the form of an irregularly shaped dome.

The second raised portion 14, which engages with the palm of the bottom hand 15, serves to force or guide the palm of the bottom hand 15 slightly away from the handle 2, and this means that the batter is unable to over grip the handle 2. Or in other words, this forces the batter to grip the handle 2 somewhat loosely with the bottom hand 15—which is the desired result.

The second raised portion 14 is substantially non-resilient whereby the batter is not able to squeeze or squash the second raised portion 14, and hence the palm of the bottom hand 15 is continually kept slightly away from the handle 2—thus preventing over gripping.

The grip 1 also includes a third raised portion 16 formed on the lower portion 6 of the grip 1. The third raised portion 16 is adapted to engage with the fleshy part 17 of the bottom hand 15 of the batter, between the thumb 18 and index finger 19, in order to locate the bottom hand 15 of the batter on the cricket bat handle 2.

That is, the batter may place his/her bottom hand 15 around the handle 2, and slide it down until the fleshy part 17 of the bottom hand 15 of the batter engages with, or rests against, the third raised portion 16 (thus correctly locating the bottom hand 15 of the batter). This is best represented in FIG. 6.

The third raised portion 16 may also be adapted to guide the bottom hand 15 of the batter through a pivoting motion during the playing of certain batting strokes.

Examples of batting strokes which may take advantage of this pivoting motion include when the batter is driving or playing cut shots or attempting to glide the ball down to third man area. Furthermore, any batting stroke which is preceded by the batter taking a back swing may include this pivoting motion.

Use of the grip 1, including the pivoting motion, is best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, which shows the position of the top and bottom hands 8, 15 both before and after playing a batting stroke such as a drive or cut (or taking a back swing).

FIG. 6 shows the correct position of the hands 8, 15 prior to playing a batting stroke. That is, the top hand 8 is placed around the top of the grip 1, palm down, and with the heel 11 and side 12 of the top hand 8 placed in, and retained by, the first raised portion 9.

The bottom hand 15 is likewise shown in the correct playing position, with the second raised portion 14 snugly fitted into the palm of the bottom hand 15 (to prevent over gripping), and with the third raised portion 16 resting against the fleshy part 17 of the bottom hand 15, between the thumb 18 and index finger 19.

When the batter plays a shot such as a drive or cut, the pivoting motion of the bottom hand 15 involves the bottom hand 15 releasing slightly from the grip 1 (but with the fingers 20 of the bottom hand 15 nonetheless remaining around the grip 1), and with the bottom hand 15 pivoting slightly about and over the third raised portion 16 to the position as shown in FIG. 7. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the bottom hand 15 of the batter has moved whereby the fleshy part 17 of the bottom hand 15 now rests on the opposite (or lower) side of the third raised portion 16, as compared to the positioning of the bottom hand 15 prior to the batting stroke being played (as in FIG. 6).

The third raised portion 16 therefore assists in guiding or facilitating this pivoting/release action of the bottom hand 15.

Such a pivoting action may often be difficult for a batsman to learn, as it is a somewhat unusual action as compared to how other sporting clubs are generally used (where both hands are usually supposed to grip the handle of the sporting club firmly at all times). Hence, the third raised portion 16 offers a very useful way for a batsman to learn how to correctly play batting strokes such as cuts and drives.

For other shots such as pull shots or shots through the leg side, the pivoting action may not be required, however the third raised portion 16 nonetheless serves to correctly locate the bottom hand 15 of the batter about the grip 1.

The third raised portion is in the form of an irregularly raised ridge, as shown.

The grip 1 also includes a fourth raised portion 21 formed on the lower portion 6 of the grip 1. The fourth raised portion 21 is adapted to help locate the thumb 18 of the bottom hand 15 of the batter. That is, the thumb 18 of the bottom hand 15 of the batter is correctly located in the gap or channel 22 formed between the third raised portion 16 and the fourth raised portion 21.

Locating the thumb 18 in this position, and in this fashion, serves to help with the correct positioning of the thumb 18 (and/or the bottom hand 15) prior to the playing of a batting stroke (see FIG. 6). It is also envisaged that the fourth raised portion 21 may also serve to help restrict any unnecessary movement of the thumb 18 (or bottom hand 15), prior to the playing of a batting stroke.

The fourth raised portion 21 is in the form of a substantially oval-shaped protrusion, as can be seen from the drawings.

The grip 1 also includes a fifth raised portion 23. The fifth raised portion 23 is formed on the lower portion 6 of the grip 1 and is adapted to guide, and/or restrict the movement of, the thumb 18 of the bottom hand 15 of the batter during the playing of batting strokes such as drives or cuts.

For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, prior to the batter playing a batting stroke, the end of the thumb 18 rests against the fifth raised portion 23. After the batter has played a batting stroke, and the bottom hand 15 has gone through the pivoting motion, as described previously, the thumb 18 lies within the channel 25 formed between the third raised portion 16 and the fifth raised portion 23. Furthermore, the thumb 18 is prevented from slipping further down the grip 1 (in the direction of the blade 24 of the bat 3) by virtue of the thumb 18 (or end of the thumb) butting up against the fifth raised portion 23. If the thumb 18 was otherwise to slip down the grip 1, the batter may end up losing control of the bat 3 or the batting stroke. This may result in a poor batting stroke and/or increase the chances of the batter getting out, or possibly being hit with the ball.

The fifth raised potion 23 is in the form of a small ridge, as can be seen from the drawings.

As can be seen from the drawings, the grip 1 does not include any grooves and/or raised portions for accommodating any fingers of the batter. This is because a cricket bat is not supposed to be gripped tightly by the fingers, as is the case for, say, baseball bats, tennis racquets or golf clubs. It is therefore important, especially for those learning the game, that the cricket bat handle 2 is not gripped tightly by the fingers of the batter, and hence having the grip 1 devoid of any finger grooves (or like protrusions) may help to discourage such incorrect batting techniques.

With respect to FIGS. 5-7 it may be seen that the arrangement and configuration of the grip 1 allows for the batter's two hands 8, 15 to be touching (but not overlapping)—which is the correct way to hold the cricket bat handle 1.

It is envisaged that the grip 1 may be particularly suitable for people learning the game of cricket, given that grip 1 allows a batter to correctly grip a cricket bat handle 2 without any prior cricket knowledge or experience. The grip 1 may therefore serve as a very useful means by which to attract more people to the game as it simplifies the teaching of how to grip a cricket bat handle 2, and furthermore the grip 1 is very simple and user friendly to use and manufacture.

Furthermore, the grip 1 allows for a batter to learn (or practise) correct batting techniques either with or without balls being bowled at the batter.

Variations

While the embodiments described above are currently preferred, it will be appreciated that a wide range of other variations might also be made within the general spirit and scope of the invention and/or as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A grip for a cricket bat handle, said grip including an upper portion and a lower portion, and said grip including: a) a first raised portion formed in or on the upper portion of the grip, said first raised portion being adapted to locate the top hand of a batter, b) a second raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip, said second raised portion being adapted to engage with the palm of the bottom hand of the batter to prevent over gripping of the cricket bat handle by the batter, c) a third raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip, said third raised portion being adapted to engage with the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, in order to locate the bottom hand of the batter on the cricket bat handle.
 2. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first raised portion serves to restrict movement of the top hand of the batter before and/or during the playing of a batting stroke.
 3. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first raised portion is adapted to engage with a portion of the heel and/or the side(s) of the top hand of the batter.
 4. A grip for a cricket bat handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first raised portion is substantially in the form of an upside down U-shaped protrusion.
 5. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second raised portion is in the form of a raised dome.
 6. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the raised dome is substantially non-resilient.
 7. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third raised portion serves to guide the bottom hand of the batter through a pivoting motion during the playing of certain batting strokes.
 8. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 7, wherein said third raised portion is in the form of a raised ridge, and the arrangement and construction is such that the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, is able to slide up and over the raised ridge, in said pivoting motion, during the playing of some batting strokes.
 9. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip further includes a fourth raised portion formed in or on the lower portion of the grip, said fourth raised portion being adapted to locate the thumb of the bottom hand of the batter.
 10. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip further includes a fifth raised portion, said fifth raised portion being formed in or on the lower portion of the grip and said fifth raised portion being adapted to guide, and/or restrict the movement of, the thumb of the bottom hand of the batter during the playing of some batting strokes.
 11. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip does not include any grooves and/or raised portions for accommodating the fingers of the batter.
 12. A grip for a cricket bat handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip is in the form of a hollow sleeve, said sleeve having a generally cylindrically inner surface for receiving the cricket bat handle.
 13. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said sleeve is comprised of a rubber material.
 14. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip is formed in or on the surface of the cricket bat handle.
 15. A cricket bat, said cricket bat including a handle with a grip, said grip as claimed in claim
 1. 16. (canceled)
 17. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first raised portion is adapted to engage with a portion of the heel and/or the side(s) of the top hand of the batter.
 18. A grip for a cricket bat handle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first raised portion is substantially in the form of an upside down U-shaped protrusion.
 19. A grip for a cricket bat handle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first raised portion is substantially in the form of an upside down U-shaped protrusion.
 20. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second raised portion is in the form of a raised dome.
 21. A grip for a cricket bat handle, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second raised portion is in the form of a raised dome. 